Catholic church has been totally packed lately... I've started going once every other week because it's so packed, haha.
But in particular, I've noticed this from my daughter. When I go to track meets and basketball games, the teams all have prayer circles. For example, earlier in the year, my daughter was in cross country, and every school there got together in a circle, held hands, and prayed. And then... before the race started... the official held a group prayer for everyone (which was like 100s of runners)... and did this for both girls, boys, and mixed runs.
Keep in mind, this is a pretty liberal area (in Tampa), and like half my daughter's friends are trans or something other than normal. Almost all of her friends wear a Crucifix with Jesus around their necks. My daughter wears the Star of David w/ a Crucifix in the middle (wife is Jewish, but we're raising her Catholic, but still do all the Jewish holidays as well as the Catholic ones).
I find it really remarkable, honestly... because when I was growing up in the 90s, none of the kids ever talked about religion. It just wasn't something we even thought about. But now, it's on the minds of almost everyone in her school. They all wear temporary bible verse tattoos when they play sports, and someone brings them and they all apply them to eachother before the game. It's totally wild. j
Funny thing is... while most of the boys identify as "Republican," most of the girls are liberal... but they're still very religious.
Anyone else notice this where they are, or have teens that are seeing similar things?
My church is all but devoid of young people but 'young people' is a relative term, especially when you're pushin 75 yourself. (I attend an all black church. I'm the only white person there and I enjoy it immensely)
Anyone else notice this where they are, or have teens that are seeing similar things?
I would think most teens, if attending Church, go to their parent's Church. I also think teens would not have enough of a religious background to discern a difference.
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Originally posted by maryjane: I attend an all black church. I'm the only white person there and I enjoy it immensely.
Heh, that's because God is not racist. I once did my 12 hour overnight shift, on a Saturday night Sunday morning and went to sleep leaving a request to wake me up at 9:30 AM so I could attend Church. The local town only had two Churches, they were right across the street from each other. Running late, I went into the one on my side of the road. It was all black. After service, I noticed all exiting the other Church were all white. My experience at Church was very rewarding that day.
Heh, my Wife Cindi used to drive from Kerrville TX (60 miles West of San Antonio) to the far East side of San Antonio to attend her childhood Church. I many times commented that God is in Kerrville also.
One thing I have noticed is many newbs have joined the Forum.
Anyone else notice this where they are, or have teens that are seeing similar things?
In reference to younger folk, I suspect religion is more of a thing with immigrants who are bringing their beliefs from whence they came. At least that's how it appears to me here in this neck of the woods.
The only time I enter a church is for marriages or funerals. For the first time in perhaps 20 years, I recently attended a church service for the father of a friend of mine who had passed away. It was being held in an Anglican Church, which to me, seems right up there with the Catholic Church in regards to tradition, rituals etc. The church choir attended and performed. The two dozen or so choir members all appeared to 60+ years of age, with the exception of a young gay couple, both sporting Bermuda shorts, and who had their lapdog with them in the choir loft. I have to surmise that modern day churches need to bend the rules somewhat to encourage new members.
In reference to younger folk, I suspect religion is more of a thing with immigrants who are bringing their beliefs from whence they came. At least that's how it appears to me here in this neck of the woods.
The only time I enter a church is for marriages or funerals. For the first time in perhaps 20 years, I recently attended a church service for the father of a friend of mine who had passed away. It was being held in an Anglican Church, which to me, seems right up there with the Catholic Church in regards to tradition, rituals etc. The church choir attended and performed. The two dozen or so choir members all appeared to 60+ years of age, with the exception of a young gay couple, both sporting Bermuda shorts, and who had their lapdog with them in the choir loft. I have to surmise that modern day churches need to bend the rules somewhat to encourage new members.
In my church, which is Catholic, the church is totally mixed. Like... there is absolutely no standard there. Like, every race you can imagine, from people who are clearly Chinese immigrants, to people who are wearing African garb, to you name it. I'd say slightly more Hispanic than not (this is Florida), and mostly families, but a LOT of kids. Matter of fact, the priest usually has the children come up to the front where he gives a smaller sermon to them in front of everyone, and there's like 50+ kids at least.
For A.J.'s school, I'd say it's like 90% white, with maybe 30% of the school being Hispanic.
[This message has been edited by 82-T/A [At Work] (edited 12-05-2024).]
Haha... no... Hispanic is a heritage... not a race. So of the 100% of students there (90% white, and 10% black, asian, etc.), 30% of them are Hispanic.
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: ... I'd say slightly more Hispanic than not (this is Florida), ...
I do not find that surprising. The Catholic denomination has forever traveled the world to 'spread the word'. They were instrumental in educating the "new world", ie America pre 1700's. The Alamo here in San Antonio is but one of five Catholic missions, pre 1800's (all of them historically rich in culture. One of which my Niece was married in.)
I do hope you saw them Todd. We actually have a road which goes right by them all. Mission Road. It roughly follows the original Mission Trail.
I do not find that surprising. The Catholic denomination has forever traveled the world to 'spread the word'. They were instrumental in educating the "new world", ie America pre 1700's. The Alamo here in San Antonio is but one of five Catholic missions, pre 1800's (all of them historically rich in culture. One of which my Niece was married in.)
I do hope you saw them Todd. We actually have a road which goes right by them all. Mission Road. It roughly follows the original Mission Trail.
I did... they were awesome! I saw all of them... I thought it was so cool how one of them had an active service in it (which I almost interrupted before someone stopped me before I opened the door). They are awesome. I also went and saw St. Mary's in downtown San Antonio, which was so cool too. That's really cool that your Niece was married in one of them!
Well, I'd disagree... I'd guess your perception of Catholic is the same as many people have... and that is, the Catholics are the hard-line religious ones, close to Menenite, etc. That couldn't be further from the truth. Catholics (for as long as I've been a Catholic which is my whole life, because my parents are) are often more liberal. Matter of fact, the only staunchly "conservative" value they have really is that they're against abortion.
It's the non-denominational churches (mega churches) and the Baptists... like Calvary Chapel, etc, who are the religious sects that usually have more kids. This is purely my perception, of course. People who don't go to church or don't really know anything about the Catholic church believe that Catholicism is one step away from the Handmaids Tale... which is so totally not correct. We have a liberal / socialist Pope, for example...
Matter of fact, the only staunchly "conservative" value they have really is that they're against abortion.
"only"? That's a big one. And what about birth control?
My dad's side of the family is Irish Catholic. They emigrated from the old country to Canada in 1920, when my dad was a newborn. (Apparently they didn't get the memo that everyone the world over was supposed to emigrate to the US. ) Anyway, after having five kids, my nana and grandpa wanted to use birth control. They had very little income, and having to feed a family of seven was a humongous challenge. They couldn't feed more hungry kids. However, birth control was a big no-no with the Catholic Church. When told by the Priest that they'd burn in hell (or whatever the BS penalty was) for doing so, they left the Church and never went back. The Catholic Church lost a lot of good people due to their archaic ways.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 12-07-2024).]
(Apparently they didn't get the memo that everyone the world over was supposed to emigrate to the US.
I doubt we could say "everyone" but, immigration numbers (of both legal and estimated illegal immigrants) would indicate there's a lot of folks desiring to reside in the US.
...emigrating to the US is not the be-all end-all favored destination of every person on the planet. Perhaps it feels that way with desperate people from Central America trying to sneak across your southern border, but other countries on the planet, including Canada, have plenty to offer.
I actually read this differently. One of the primary indicators they use is attendance in religions education programs, which is hugely dominated by young men. Gen Z has the lowest religious adherence/affiliation of any generation yet, significantly lower than even the Millennials. Where the shift in them IS happening is among young men. It's easy to miss the overall trends if you hyperfocus on a limited dataset like that Liberty Daily article does.
Fourteen days from the last post and I was hoping to finally see you type "I agree" but once again, you went the opposite way. Maybe some day I'll see those 2 simple words come out of your mouth.....but I doubt it.
In 2016, Hillary was kicking Trump's azz but did not become President. This year Biden was kicking Trump's ass, till the debate. Then Camala was, till the election.
Those that go to Church are not seeing a decrease in members. Those that may think there is a decline are not Church goers. It's like buying a red P/U truck and seeing every red P/U truck on the road.
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Originally posted by NewDustin: One of the primary indicators they use is attendance in religions education programs, which is hugely dominated by young men.
What possible explanation could there be for that ? Little Johnny goes to religious education but his sister Jill does not ? Or, is it like the bar scene of which more men than women go.
Fourteen days from the last post and I was hoping to finally see you type "I agree" but once again, you went the opposite way. Maybe some day I'll see those 2 simple words come out of your mouth.....but I doubt it.
Originally posted by cliffw: Really ? A Gallup poll ?
In 2016, Hillary was kicking Trump's azz but did not become President. This year Biden was kicking Trump's ass, till the debate. Then Camala was, till the election.
Those that go to Church are not seeing a decrease in members. Those that may think there is a decline are not Church goers. It's like buying a red P/U truck and seeing every red P/U truck on the road.
It's totally the same for me here... I have to go to church really early, because otherwise, it's so packed that it's standing-room only, and it's a huge Catholic church. It was never like this when I started going three years ago.
EDIT: Three years ago to this church (because I'd moved from Texas)
[This message has been edited by 82-T/A [At Work] (edited 12-21-2024).]
Originally posted by cliffw: Really ? A Gallup poll ?
In 2016, Hillary was kicking Trump's azz but did not become President. This year Biden was kicking Trump's ass, till the debate. Then Camala was, till the election.
Those that go to Church are not seeing a decrease in members. Those that may think there is a decline are not Church goers. It's like buying a red P/U truck and seeing every red P/U truck on the road.
I didn't say "A Daily Caller repost? Really?" and point to any of the myriad of things the Daily Caller has gotten flat and demonstrably wrong. I addressed the article that was posted based on the merit of what was said. There is a bizarre double standard on this forum where we accept even the most obviously biased sources without question if that bias is conservative, but anything else requires extreme scrutiny.
However, if Gallup isn't to your liking, you can get the same findings from Pew, Statista, The Public Religion Research Institute, Barna Group, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, and EEW Magazine. All from this year.
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Originally posted by cliffw: What possible explanation could there be for that ? Little Johnny goes to religious education but his sister Jill does not ? Or, is it like the bar scene of which more men than women go.
The latter...both? I'm not sure. I don't think "more men go to religious college than women" is a controversial thing to say...if you have some research or something showing that it's overwhelmingly women I'd be willing to look at it. I'm saying that if you focus on two tangential variables to measure what's happening, you're going to get less reliable results than if you just measure attendance.
Originally posted by cliffw: Really ? A Gallup poll ?
In 2016, Hillary was kicking Trump's azz but did not become President. This year Biden was kicking Trump's ass, till the debate. Then Camala was, till the election.
Those that go to Church are not seeing a decrease in members. Those that may think there is a decline are not Church goers. It's like buying a red P/U truck and seeing every red P/U truck on the road.
I didn't say "A Daily Caller repost? Really?" and point to any of the myriad of things the Daily Caller has gotten flat and demonstrably wrong. I addressed the article that was posted based on the merit of what was said. There is a bizarre double standard on this forum where we accept even the most obviously biased sources without question if that bias is conservative, but anything else requires extreme scrutiny.
However, if Gallup isn't to your liking, you can get the same findings from Pew, Statista, The Public Religion Research Institute, Barna Group, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, and EEW Magazine. All from this year.
quote
Originally posted by cliffw: What possible explanation could there be for that ? Little Johnny goes to religious education but his sister Jill does not ? Or, is it like the bar scene of which more men than women go.
The latter...both? I'm not sure. I don't think "more men go to religious college than women" is a controversial thing to say...if you have some research or something showing that it's overwhelmingly women I'd be willing to look at it. I'm saying that if you focus on two tangential variables to measure what's happening, you're going to get less reliable results than if you just measure attendance.
"only"? That (abortion) is a big one. And what about birth control?
I never got a response, so I'll add to it.
I could never understand why it is, that the powers that be in the Catholic Church, who are supposed to be celibate*, are the ones who are instructing regular folk (ie normal people) how best to utilize their sex lives. Totally bizarre.
Originally posted by Patrick: I never got a response, so I'll add to it.
I could never understand why it is, that the powers that be in the Catholic Church, who are supposed to be celibate*, are the ones who are instructing regular folk (ie normal people) how best to utilize their sex lives. Totally bizarre.
(*Apparently sex with choirboys doesn't count.)
Sigh, very classy Patrick... do you get pleasure out of trashing my religion?
Maybe you should consider the fact that the overwhelming vast majority of sex crimes are committed by Democrats / progressives. Even in politics... the sexual misconduct is OVERWHELMINGLY done by liberal politicians.
Sigh, very classy Patrick... do you get pleasure out of trashing my religion?
Which part of my post was the "trashing"? Expecting adult intact males to completely suppress their libido has resulted in innumerable scandals for the Catholic Church. And these same freaks threaten members of their congregation with excommunication if they dare use birth control. The hypocrisy of it all...
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Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:
Catholic church has been totally packed lately...
That's gotta be due largely to an influx of immigrants with limited education who've come from impoverished predominantly Catholic countries.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 12-22-2024).]
There you go... more insults... suggesting that people only go to church because they're ignorant.
Quit making up stuff. I didn't state that was the "only" reason, and I wasn't commenting on all religious denominations. The Catholic Church has a dark history. Mentioning this is not an "insult", it's a documented fact.
Quit making up stuff. I didn't state that was the "only" reason, and I wasn't commenting on all religious denominations. The Catholic Church has a dark history. Mentioning this is not an "insult", it's a documented fact.
I just have to remind myself... your opinion absolutely doesn't matter... you're just trolling.
Originally posted by Patrick: ...which puts me on a level playing field with you and everyone else here.
Careful, there are folks about who have strong opinions about how often other grown adults are obligated to agree with them. You clearly suffer from the same horrible malady I do, and need to be reminded that your dissenting opinion isn't genuine belief, it's just you being a disagreeable troll.
Originally posted by NewDustin: I didn't say "A Daily Caller repost? Really?" and point to any of the myriad of things the Daily Caller has gotten flat and demonstrably wrong. I addressed the article that was posted based on the merit of what was said. There is a bizarre double standard on this forum where we accept even the most obviously biased sources without question if that bias is conservative, but anything else requires extreme scrutiny.
No sir. No double standard. Every one here should scrutinize every thing we hear and half the things we see.
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Originally posted by NewDustin: However, if Gallup isn't to your liking, you can get the same findings from Pew, Statista, The Public Religion Research Institute, Barna Group, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, and EEW Magazine. All from this year.
I do have to wonder. Where did their data come from to make a that proclamation ? Maybe they all are like our liberal news. Repeating the same thing, many times lies.
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Originally posted by NewDustin: The latter...both? I'm not sure. I don't think "more men go to religious college than women" is a controversial thing to say...if you have some research or something showing that it's overwhelmingly women I'd be willing to look at it. I'm saying that if you focus on two tangential variables to measure what's happening, you're going to get less reliable results than if you just measure attendance.
Well, my personal observation ... measure attendance, ? My, how is that done ?
Not third hand information collected by forth hand ?data investigators? using loaded questions to make an observation, they want others to believe. The Devil is deceiving and a monster does not always look like a monster.
Religious College ? My first thought is that Town East Baptist Church had a private school when my children (one girl, one boy) started attending in first grade. It now has it's own building as large as the main Church, a football team, as well as other sports teams, choirs, yada yada. Russel still attends the same Church with his Wife. Their school teacher still attends and is close friends with my Wife.
Religious College ? Heh, my Wife felt it necessary to attend FBI, Faith Bible Institute, a college. It took her three years to graduate with an associates degree as the course is that long.
I also should mention many people attend by streaming their Church services.
[This message has been edited by cliffw (edited 12-23-2024).]
Originally posted by cliffw: No sir. No double standard. Every one here should scrutinize every thing we hear and half the things we see.
I suppose this is where I point out I'm the only one in this thread who actually scrutinized that first article? I counted at least 4 polls that article cited, and that raises questions:
Why did it not raise concerns when The Daily Caller cited a Circana BookScan poll used to determine Bible sales were up? Do you have information that leads you to trust Circana more than Gallup?
What about when the same article cited the Cardinal Newman Society's poll to show increased religious school attendance? Why didn't you ask how they came up with their information? Why is how they come up with numbers less concerning to you than Pew, Statista, the PRRI, Barna...etc?
What about that Washington Post poll the article uses to establish that Christians played an increased roll in the election? Has the Washington Post been historically more accurate than those other organizations and that's why you didn't question that poll's findings?
And then there's the Survey Center on American Life poll that the article cites to show that attendance of men is surging beyond women. It actually agrees with the Gallup poll I posted whose conclusions you questioned. Why did you question the Gallup poll but not a similar poll from the Survey Center on American Life that had the same findings?
Even if we accept those polls -which I have no reason not to- "Bible sales" has no obvious correlation to overall church attendance and neither does religious school attendance, yet those are the two sources for this article uses to support its conclusion and no one seems to have any issue with that. In fact, several members have insisted that their subjective experiences are proof positive that what the article concludes is true.
How sure are you about that whole "no double standard here" thing?
NewDustin, I needed to edit my response and you had already posted.
I will answer your thoughts.
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Originally posted by NewDustin: I suppose this is where I point out I'm the only one in this thread who actually scrutinized that first article? I counted at least 4 polls that article cited, and that raises questions:
Why did it not raise concerns when The Daily Caller cited a Circana BookScan poll used to determine Bible sales were up? Do you have information that leads you to trust Circana more than Gallup?
No, I do not. I actually did not read and scrutinize the article. Because I don't believe in polls.
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Originally posted by NewDustin:
What about when the same article cited the Cardinal Newman Society's poll to show increased religious school attendance? Why didn't you ask how they came up with their information? Why is how they come up with numbers less concerning to you than Pew, Statista, the PRRI, Barna...etc?
Cardinal Newman Society ? Again, I actually did not read and scrutinize the article. Since you mentioned it, I am not a Catholic. I do believe in God and Jesus but I do not think much about all the different denominations. I would be comfortable at any Christ driven Church. Seek the Lord, you will find the Lord.
quote
Originally posted by NewDustin:
What about that Washington Post poll the article uses to establish that Christians played an increased roll in the election? Has the Washington Post been historically more accurate than those other organizations and that's why you didn't question that poll's findings?
Again, I did not read the article. Are you implying that the dwindling numbers of Christians played ... how did they get that data ?
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Originally posted by NewDustin:
And then there's the Survey Center on American Life poll that the article cites to show that attendance of men is surging beyond women. It actually agrees with the Gallup poll I posted whose conclusions you questioned. Why did you question the Gallup poll but not a similar poll from the Survey Center on American Life that had the same findings?
'Ya know, the Survey Center on American Life is also not on my reading list. I only questioned the Gallup poll (without reading it) because you mentioned it, Gallup by name.
Originally posted by NewDustin: Even if we accept those polls -which I have no reason not to- "Bible sales" has no obvious correlation to overall church attendance and neither does religious school attendance, yet those are the two sources for this article uses to support its conclusion and no one seems to have any issue with that. In fact, several members have insisted that their subjective experiences are proof positive that what the article concludes is true.
Hmmph. Gosh, who ? I would have posted my feelings then.
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Originally posted by NewDustin: How sure are you about that whole "no double standard here" thing?
Absolutely !
I have a few questions for you.
Do you believe in ko-inky-dinks ?
Why did this poll, these polls come out just now ? When we are celebrating the birth of Christ.
More importantly, (no answer wanted) have you been saved ? Your just a prayer away. Are you tough enough ? I promise you, if you believe in Christ, you will know he is real.
I was pointing out that when a source cited 4 separate polls in support of a popular position on this board no scrutiny was applied. The distrust of polling only seems to come up when the polls indicate, or are used to support, and idea that is unpopular.
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Originally posted by cliffw: I have a few questions for you.
Do you believe in ko-inky-dinks ?
Most soy-tin-ly!
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Originally posted by cliffw: Why did this poll, these polls come out just now ? When we are celebrating the birth of Christ.
More importantly, (no answer wanted) have you been saved ? Your just a prayer away. Are you tough enough ? I promise you, if you believe in Christ, you will know he is real.
Most of those polls were not conducted just now; they were released in the last several months and many took months to complete. I believe several of the polls are yearly. The article that was the genesis of this conversation is clearly timely, since it's addressing Christianity during Christmas. I don't think that's a coincidence.
Why ask the question if not for an answer? I would have said "yes" at some point, but unfortunately it would have been dishonest. What I would have meant was "I've been praying as fervently as I can, and I really wish I felt something of what other people do. I'm really hoping nobody picks up that I never have, and that the more I think about this the less any of it makes sense to me and I can't make myself stop questioning." What was much, much harder was admitting to myself that what I actually believe doesn't have the same built-in comforts.
I'm very happy for your experience, and for folks who have spiritual/religious experiences and faith in general. That I don't share them shouldn't diminish them. And really that goes both ways: The holiday celebrations are chock full of pagan idolatry, non-divine magic, and good ol' materialism...so is it not fair to say we're celebrating those things too? I think it brings us all together. I love those little meat, cheese, and mustard packages with Christmas packaging, and the cocoa packets with Santa on them almost as much as seeing the nativity scenes in the churchyards and the lights on the houses
I was pointing out that when a source cited 4 separate polls in support of a popular position on this board no scrutiny was applied. The distrust of polling only seems to come up when the polls indicate, or are used to support, and idea that is unpopular.
Most of those polls were not conducted just now; they were released in the last several months and many took months to complete. I believe several of the polls are yearly. The article that was the genesis of this conversation is clearly timely, since it's addressing Christianity during Christmas. I don't think that's a coincidence.
Why ask the question if not for an answer? I would have said "yes" at some point, but unfortunately it would have been dishonest. What I would have meant was "I've been praying as fervently as I can, and I really wish I felt something of what other people do. I'm really hoping nobody picks up that I never have, and that the more I think about this the less any of it makes sense to me and I can't make myself stop questioning." What was much, much harder was admitting to myself that what I actually believe doesn't have the same built-in comforts.
I'm very happy for your experience, and for folks who have spiritual/religious experiences and faith in general. That I don't share them shouldn't diminish them. And really that goes both ways: The holiday celebrations are chock full of pagan idolatry, non-divine magic, and good ol' materialism...so is it not fair to say we're celebrating those things too? I think it brings us all together. I love those little meat, cheese, and mustard packages with Christmas packaging, and the cocoa packets with Santa on them almost as much as seeing the nativity scenes in the churchyards and the lights on the houses
Ok, there seems to be a lot of discussion on when and how much. My perception has been that within the past 6-8 months, I've seen an enormous shift towards kids being religious. I've also noticed that there's absolutely no room at church when we go... this has been getting steadily worse (better?) over the past several months. That's not how it normally is when you have Christmas... people just go to the Christmas mass, and disappear again. But there's a growing number of people going to church that if I don't go really early, it's going to be totally packed to the point where I won't get a seat. It was never like this over the past 3 years I've lived here in Tampa.
I've also noticed that there's absolutely no room at church when we go... this has been getting steadily worse (better?) over the past several months... there's a growing number of people going to church that if I don't go really early, it's going to be totally packed to the point where I won't get a seat. It was never like this over the past 3 years I've lived here in Tampa.
For those in the US who are religious, seeking divine intervention over the next four years is simply being prudent.
Originally posted by NewDustin: Why ask the question if not for an answer? I would have said "yes" at some point, but unfortunately it would have been dishonest. What I would have meant was "I've been praying as fervently as I can, and I really wish I felt something of what other people do. I'm really hoping nobody picks up that I never have, and that the more I think about this the less any of it makes sense to me and I can't make myself stop questioning." What was much, much harder was admitting to myself that what I actually believe doesn't have the same built-in comforts.
I asked the question for you, not me. That is a personal issue I have no right to know. I have never been a Bible thumper. My question was in hopes of having you do some introspection.
Perhaps my telling you my experience may help. I hope it will also help anyone here, which is why I am stating it public instead of a Private Message to you.
I, very young, 1968, was sent to Church (along with my older Sister and younger Brother) and my parents did not go. That introduced me to the idea of God. I can not explain why but I believed it to be true. Later, socially, I heard the idea that the world was created by a BIG Bang. This is where common sense kicked in. How could an explosion create all of the wonderful beings and plants and the miracles of what science has discovered.
I had quit attending Church and had not been 'saved' or Baptized, yet I still believed in God. I accomplished amazing things of which I have no idea how I did. I also suffered major setbacks of which were my fault, damn Devil. Que Flip Wilson. "The Devil made me do it".
I had an abusive Dad. I was in and out of foster care, dropped out of high school, had a failed marriage. I ended up over paid and under worked. Making good bank. I flat out own lake property, had bought another home in Kerrville TX (since sold), and now live rent / mortgage free in San Antonio.
I married a wonderful woman and have enjoyed 26 years of annoying her, . I do not deserve her and she surely does not deserve me, but it works. Well.
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Originally posted by NewDustin: ... and that the more I think about this the less any of it makes sense to me and I can't make myself stop questioning." What was much, much harder was admitting to myself that what I actually believe doesn't have the same built-in comforts.
My life does not make any sense to me either. I have also questioned. To find out what I am missing in the Lord's lesson. I used to question belief and faith but, ..., it has always benefited me. It is one of those miracles. The Bible says one only needs the faith of a mustard seed.
Who is rich ? What comforts are comfortable enough. Define rich. Define comfort.
NewDustin, seek God and you will find Him because He will know you are looking for Him. Many question because one can not see God or see proof of God. Many have seen proof and believe. Read the Bible. Follow the Bible. It is food for life and eternity. It is hard to relate to as it is comprised of 66 books, which all teach a different knowledge, which all are intertwined in the understanding of being a good Christian. I have not read them all. One can read the same book and at different times you get different enlightenment.
One needs to avoid the allure of the Devil who causes us to sin. Many people not of God do horrible things and seemingly are wildly successful. That is because the Devil likes evil. We are all sinners but God seeking sinners have eternal life. For those that do not seek God, the wages of sin is eternal death.
It is said that in Heaven the streets are paved in gold, there will be no sickness, no wars, yada yada everything will always be great. I don't even think I would like that. I think I am in Heaven now. I enjoy the challenges, failures make me a better man, the different parts of the world are beautiful.
New Dustin, think of your relationship with God, much like a relationship with women. At first one gets interested, then one samples her (dates), becomes more enamored, get engaged, and marry. Every part of the experience has doubt of the future. After a long relationship your belief, faith and trust becomes concrete.
When I sin, my Wife forgives me and still loves me. God is the same.
// ⚠️ DISCLAIMER 🚨 - The stories presented on this channel are entirely fictional and crafted solely for entertainment. Any resemblance to real events, individuals, or situations is purely coincidental and unintentional. These narratives are not intended to depict, reference, or represent any actual occurrences, persons, or entities.
// ⚠️ DISCLAIMER 🚨 - The stories presented on this channel are entirely fictional and crafted solely for entertainment. Any resemblance to real events, individuals, or situations is purely coincidental and unintentional. These narratives are not intended to depict, reference, or represent any actual occurrences, persons, or entities.
I hate videos like that... while it's probably a wonderful story, it serves no purpose when it's fake.
I have to surmise that modern day churches need to bend the rules somewhat to encourage new members.
) Anyway, after having five kids, my nana and grandpa wanted to use birth control. They had very little income, and having to feed a family of seven was a humongous challenge. They couldn't feed more hungry kids. However, birth control was a big no-no with the Catholic Church. When told by the Priest that they'd burn in hell (or whatever the BS penalty was) for doing so, they left the Church and never went back. The Catholic Church lost a lot of good people due to their archaic ways.
? My, how is that done ?
. I do not deserve her and she surely does not deserve me, but it works. Well.
